How Long does a Root Canal Take? A Complete Guide For You!
If your doctor has recently recommended a root canal treatment to you then the first question might coming to your mind is: “How long does a root canal take?” Or “Is root canal treatment painful?” and lots more.
The quick answer is about 30 to 60 minutes. However, the exact time duration is only depend on the patient’s tooth condition. To understand the complete process, let us breakdown the article and learn root canal treatment, time duration, and more queries you may have in-depth.
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment is used to repair and save the infected tooth. The process includes removing the infected pulp from the tooth, cleaning, and disinfecting the root canals. Next, filling and sealing tooth for further decay.
This treatment helps relieve pain and prevent the need for tooth extraction. With the modern dental technology and techniques, root canals take less time and results in more efficient and painless treatment.
When do you need a Root Canal?
RCT is needed if you see the following symptoms:
- Constant tooth pain
- Swollen gums
- Deep decay
- Cracked or chipped tooth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
How long Does a Root Canal Take?
Generally, a root treatment for teeth takes between 30-60 minutes per session, depending on the tooth condition or how severe it is infected.
To keep things clear, let us breakdown how root canal treatment performs.
- Type of Tooth That Needs RCT
The RCT of teeth depends on the type and location of the tooth as well.
Tooth Type and Time
- Front teeth:30-50 minutes
- Premolars: 45-60 minutes
- Molars: 60-90+ minutes
- Condition of the Tooth
The severity of the infection often affects endodontics treatment time. If your tooth is severely infected, the dentist may spend extra time cleaning and disinfecting the canals. This results in scheduling more appointments. However, the complications such as bent roots, calcified canals, or existing dental treatment, may require your dentist to spend more time navigating the tooth’s anatomy securely.
- Number of Appointments
With the advanced technology, most root canal can be done easily in a single visit, especially for non-complicated cases. But if your case has severe infection, you may need to attend two more visits. Multiple visits ensure your tooth infection is fully treated and you are free from painful nights.
“Routine checkups are necessary to maintain the teeth from further infection”- note
Is Root Canal Painful?
Surely, you’re one who wants to know “Is root canal painful” the answer is NO. With modern dentistry and local anesthesia, a root canal treatment feels nothing like you go for a routine checkup. In fact, this procedure keeps you free from the constant pain and sensations. You may feel relaxed and freedom to eat and speak confidently. However, after the treatment you may feel little sensations (no painful) for a few days, which can be managed easily and you can engaged in your daily-routine without hassle. If you still feel anxious about pain, speak with our specialist.
What to Expect During Root Canal?
To deeper understand how long RCT take time, here is you step-by-step procedure.
Step 1: Examination & X-Ray
Before finalizing anything, endodontic dentistry specialist performs X-Ray to see the root canal and asses how much it is damaged or infected. (Takes up to 5-10 mins.)
Step 2: Local Anesthesia
Once you’re agreed to RCT, doctor provide local anesthesia to numb the area to ensure you won’t feel pain. (Takes up to 5-10 mins)
Step 3: Tooth Isolation
Next, a rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep your mouth clean and dry throughout the treatment process.
Step 4: Cleaning and Shaping
For cleaning infected pulp, dentist create a hole in the tooth and remove it with specialized tools. When the canals are thoroughly cleaned, doctor shaped and make it disinfected. (Takes up to 20-45 mins)
Step 5: Fill the Canals
After cleansing, the canals are filled with a gutta-percha (a biocompatible material) and sealed to prevent the infection for the future. (Takes up to 10-20 mins)
What to Expect After Root Canal?
After your root canal, you may feel slight discomfort or sensitivity for a few days. This can normally be treated with pain relievers (recommended by doctor). If your dentist inserts a temporary filling, you will require a follow-up appointment to receive a permanent crown. This protects your teeth and allows it to function normally.
Essential Tips To Make the Process Smoother and Faster
If you want to reduce the sitting time, follow these given tips for smooth and faster process:
- Always go for the routine dental checkup because early intervention means reducing the complexity of the root canal.
- Visit to the specialists, they often provide you good advice that may save your tooth and avoid RCT.
- Avoid chewing and touching the infected tooth again and again, it just make the condition worse.
Common Questions About Root Canal
Can you smoke after a root canal
According to doctors, it is best to avoid smoking for at least 48 hours.
Can you drive after a root canal
Yes, you can drive because only local anesthesia is given and you feel alert.
How much does a tooth crown cost
The cost depends on the material and location you’re doing RCT. For actual pricing, consult experts.
Final Takeaways
So, we hope you may now understood “how long does a root canal take?” The answer varies upon the patient’s tooth condition. On average the whole process takes up to 30-60 minutes per session.
Overall, a root canal treatment is an excellent investment in your dental health, as it saves your original tooth and eliminates the need for more complex operations such as implants or bridges. If you’ve been putting off treatment owing to time constraints, talk to our dentist. They can walk you through the procedure and provide a personalized quote based on your unique tooth.
